Baby box
A baby box is often overlooked
but can be a great part of your must have baby essentials. Baby boxes have lots
of different items in them such as diapers and moisturisers. The hello
baby box is one great example.
Baby Carrier
Getting
used to life outside the womb, your baby may want to be close to the warmth of
your body, the sound of your heartbeat, and even the scent of mum or dad will
help to soothe and comfort your little one.
Babywearing
is a great way to keep a special closeness and create a bond even when you're
out and about. Most importantly, babywearing leaves you hands-free when you're
ready to start getting on with everyday things around the house.
Comfy Clothes
Comfy
doesn't have to be unstylish! But for most new mums, it can take a while to get
back into pre-pregnancy clothes. Look for leggings, loose tops, cosy loungewear
and big pants to see you through those first few weeks.
If
you've had a caesarean section, make sure you choose high waisted clothing so
they won't annoy your scar during recovery.
Well-Fitted Nursing Bras
The
correct bra can help massively reduce nursing discomfort, especially when your
milk comes in. Get a professional fitting, if possible (most department stores
offer this for free), to make sure you're buying the right size as your body
changes after pregnancy. Specifically, choose a nursing bra with wide,
comfortable straps and good support. You should be able to unhook and hook the
cups one-handed, leaving your other hand free for your baby.
My Expert Midwife – Spritz For
Bits
Spritz
For Bits can give you instant relief for perineal soreness, bruising and
swelling after giving birth. Many new mums pack this in their hospital bag for
use straight away. It can be used during pregnancy and after the delivery of
your little one, even if you haven't had a tear or episiotomy.
Lamp or Nightlight
When
you are getting up in the night for feeds or nappy changes, it's better to have
a gentle nightlight so that you don't wake your partner and to ensure a calming
night-time atmosphere for your baby. If you can find a touch-sensitive
nightlight even better, it stops you fumbling around for a switch when you're
half asleep.
Nipple
Cream
When breastfeeding, a lanolin-based nipple cream can help
to soothe cracked and sore nipples. A little goes a long way, and many new mums
consider nipple cream a lifesaver!
A
Bedside Crib
Your
little one will sleep in your bedroom for the first six months, as per safe
sleep guidelines. To make the experience easier, especially for feeding in the
middle of the night, you could get a bedside crib with a drop-down side so you
can be close to your little one safely and still have your own space.
A
Baby Thermometer
When
your baby is ill, especially with a temperature, a reliable baby thermometer
can help you gauge the severity of the illness and let you know when to take
action. There are many models on the market, such as Ear, Body and Non-Contact
Thermometers, at various price points.
Breast
Pads
As
your milk starts to come in after your little one's birth, you may find that
your breasts leak quite a lot. Your breast can leak even if you are bottle
feeding. Hearing your baby, thinking about her and seeing her can cause the
milk to start flowing, so it's worth buying some breast pads to protect your
clothes. Some women use hundreds in the first six months, and some use a few,
so every woman is different. You can buy reusable, washable breast pads as well
as disposable ones.
Muslin
Cloths
Having
something to hand to wipe up drool, spit and vomit is a necessity. Muslin
cloths are cost-effective, and you will find yourself using them for all sorts of
things once your baby is here. Please don't spend a fortune as you'll
constantly be washing them! Oversized muslin cloths can also be used as
swaddles, makeshift blankets and sunshades when on the go and the need arises.
Help
Some
new mums are afraid to ask for help. You may not need help all of the time when
you have a baby, and it is not a sign of failure, but knowing you have a
network of people to call on when needed is essential. Becoming a parent can be
pretty overwhelming, so it's good to know you have someone there to talk to,
have a coffee with or a friend who looks after your little one while you get
some jobs done.
Witch
Hazel
Witch
Hazel can help to relieve post-birth pain. You can add a few drops to your bath
for a relaxing soak or use it directly on any tender areas for an instant
cooling sensation. You could add a few drops to a maternity pad, put it in the
fridge for an hour before using. Use alcohol-free Witch Hazel as the type with
alcohol can sting.
Tommee
Tippee Perfect Prep Day & Night
Bottle
feeding mums swear by the Tommee Tippee Perfect Prep Day & Night. In two
minutes, your bottle is at the perfect temperature without any fussing for you
or your little one. It's an absolute godsend in the middle of the night.
Maternity
Pads
Whether
you've had a natural birth or a caesarean, you'll still experience some
postpartum bleeding (lochia). Lochia can sometimes be surprisingly heavy, so
make sure you stock up on plenty of maternity pads for the first few weeks.
Maternity pads are much more absorbent than sanitary towels.
